Skritter

Skritter is a language-learning technology company focused on teaching the writing systems of Chinese and Japanese. Founded in 2008 by Oberlin College graduates Nick Winter, Scott Erickson, and George Saines, the company originated from their shared desire for a more effective tool to learn characters. The initial product was a website where users could practice writing characters with a mouse or tablet, which officially launched with a paid model in May 2009 after a beta period.

A significant milestone occurred in June 2012 with the release of the Skritter Chinese app for iOS, which was among the first mobile applications to allow users to learn by writing directly on the screen. This development made the platform more accessible and convenient. The company, which operates under the legal entity Inkren, Inc., has since expanded to include applications for Android and continues to enhance its web platform. The founders have since moved on to other ventures, and the company is now led by CEO Jake Gill, a dedicated Chinese language learner himself with a background in global studies and teaching Chinese.

The business operates on a subscription-based model, generating revenue through monthly and annual recurring payments for premium access. It offers a freemium experience, where free users can access basic features and introductory lessons, while premium subscribers unlock the full suite of tools. This includes a vast library of vocabulary lists from over 300 popular textbooks, user-generated content, and customizable study settings. Skritter serves a niche market of dedicated students, from casual learners to those in academic settings, who need to master character writing.

The core of Skritter's product is an interactive, digital flashcard system that utilizes a spaced repetition system (SRS) to schedule reviews, optimizing memory retention. Its key feature is the real-time, stroke-level feedback for handwriting practice. The application grades users on stroke order, direction, and character composition, providing corrections as they write. Beyond writing, the platform tests users on definitions, pronunciations (tones in Chinese), and character components. Users can track their progress, create custom study decks, and sync their learning across multiple devices. The platform also integrates with other learning resources, such as ChinesePod and the Outlier Linguistics dictionary.

Keywords: Chinese characters, Japanese kanji, language learning app, spaced repetition system, learn to write Chinese, learn to write Japanese, Hanzi, Kanji, Mandarin learning, character writing, stroke order, language education technology, subscription learning, mobile learning, vocabulary builder, Pinyin, Hiragana, Katakana, textbook vocabulary, language study tool